Putin refuses to agree to ceasefire in Ukraine after phone call with Trump

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump last night held a rare phone call, which the US leader described as "excellent" but in which the Kremlin refused to agree to a ceasefire despite pressure from Washington and European allies.

- Pjotr Sauer

Speaking to reporters in Sochi after the two-hour conversation, Putin described the call as "very meaningful and frank" and said he was prepared to work with Ukraine on drafting a memorandum for future peace talks.

However, he declined to support the US-proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire that Ukraine had already agreed to and which Washington had framed as the call's primary objective.

The Russian leader also suggested that his country's maximalist objectives in the war with Ukraine remained unchanged.

In contrast, Trump offered a far more positive spin, saying in a post on his Truth Social platform that the talks went "very well".

"The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and, more importantly, an end to the war," he wrote, suggesting that the Vatican should host future Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

But beyond Trump's optimistic rhetoric, no breakthrough appears in sight. Despite previously demanding an immediate ceasefire and backing Europe's ultimatum for Russia to halt hostilities, Trump now appears once again to be easing off pressure on Moscow.